Dallas Morning News
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January 19, 2006 - After a few losses where the defense seemed to disappear, the Dallas Stars finally were able to get back into the win column with a victory over the New York Rangers, 4-3. By far a stellar performance, but enough to win, the Stars played their backup Trevor Kidd, who has seen very little action of late. Aebischer was given a rest after playing several back-to-back series.
Kidd did stop 24 of 27 shots, and the offense supported him enough to secure the victory, only his 4th of the year.
Jaromir Jagr continued to accumulate points, although still not at a pace that was hoped for with the acquisition of Martin Straka. He opened the scoring for Dallas shortly after the Rangers scored, Paul Karyia getting his 19th of the year. Jagr scored on the powerplay, which has been fairly consistent if not dominating of late for the Stars.
Dallas broke the game open in the 2nd period, with 3 goals: Gary Roberts (16) from Straka and Norstrom, Wez Walz (9) from Lydman and Leclerc, and Toni Lydman (4) from Drake and Leclerc. Roberts' goal was scored shorthanded while the other two were even strength.
In the 3rd period, the Rangers worked towards making a comeback, scoring a powerplay goal midway through, as Eric Lindros scored his 14th of the season. But Kidd shut the door and the Stars survived.
A rare standout, Toni Lydman had his best game of the season with 2 points, 3 shots and 4 hits in 21 minutes of icetime.
The game saw Wade Redden, recently back from injury, ejected midway through the 1st period, and so the rest of the defensemen were forced to step up and contribute at a higher level.
Martin Straka maintained his point scoring streak at 7 games, and while he hasn't helped light a fire under Jagr's ass, he's certainly helped the team offensively.
The win helped keep the Dallas Stars atop the Western Conference, 1 point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings. The Stars now have two nights off before playing the Phoenix Coyotes.
Recent rumors of the team looking to acquire a defensive minded center have increased of late. Manny Malhotra was a late scratch against the Rangers, and reports are that Coach Bryan Murray is not satisfied with his effort.